Statement from Teresa Heeney re inspection process in crèches and preschools nationwide and need for more investment, reform and inspectors
“We need regular and consistent inspections across the country and that can’t be done when the number of inspectors to conduct these inspections just isn’t there. The latest figures from Tusla prove this and the current debate reinforces the need for more investment, reform and recruitment of inspectors to make our inspection process competent and robust. Some of our members are waiting 5 years in between inspections, which is just not good enough.
“We are glad to hear that priority is being given by Tusla on recruiting more inspectors throughout September and October and we repeat our call that inspectors must be qualified in early childhood care and education in order to fairly evaluate services.
“Inspection is good for everyone and our 3,400 members who support over 100,000 children in preschools and crèches across the country welcome a more collaborative, consistent and frequent process. Early childhood care and education services must be compliant, but the systems must be made more efficient and effective to make that compliance easier. That means better and more regular communications with inspectors and an opportunity to address ‘small’ breaches within a few days of the inspection and ensuring that this remedy is also covered in the report, rather than a blot on the online inspection report for another 3 years. Furthermore, the issue of transferring Garda vetting from one service to another when people move must be addressed and explained properly to parents.
“As thousands of children get ready for their first day at preschool next Monday, communications between the parent and the crèche or preschool manager is more important than ever. If parents have concerns about the latest inspection reports or can’t find an inspection report on the service in question, we recommend talking to the manager, expressing any concerns and visiting the premises. Many of our members have already conducted induction days and both the children and their parents and are looking forward to a new term starting. We have produced a free leaflet for families with children starting next week which is full of tips for taking the stress out of those first few days and weeks.
Ends.